No Bynum No worries

KOBE EXPLODES FOR 61 in Madison Square Garden

A game after sending Andrew Bynum to the injured list with (oh my god!) another knee injury, Mr Bryant took out his frustration on the New York Knicks. Making a statement to the league, Lakers fans and his team-mates alike, his 61 points is no co-incidence and should alleviate some concern. Bynum is expected to return just before the playoffs, but integrating a young player back into the line-up at this time may cause more problems than it solves. Laker management is faced with a bit of dilemna before the trade deadline.

Bryant's shooting night was the best ever seen at Madison Square Garden

TOP SHOOTING EFFORTS AT MSG 1. 61 points by Kobe Bryant Feb. 2, 2009 2. 60 points by Bernard King Dec. 25, 1984 3. 55 points by Michael Jordan March 28, 1995 4. 55 points by Bernard King Feb. 16, 1985 5. 52 points by Jamal Crawford Jan. 26, 2007

If you look at this list you might say Bernard King is a freak and also, Why havent i heard of him? Well 'The Don' played for the Knicks as Jamal Crawford does now. From this you understand why Kobe is so special, as the only other player on that list is none other than Michael Jordan.

However, I still rate Jordan's performance higher than Kobe's recent drop of 61. Why? Well the Knicks of old were a much tougher team than they ae now. Particularly in terms of defesnsive philosphy. Back in 1995, under Jeff Van Gundy, The Knicks were the Junkyard Dogs of the NBA. With Charles Oakley, Larry Johnson, John Starks and a bunch of reserves who were defense first players you realise how great Jordan's performance was.

Kobe's effort, which inluded of 20 of 20 from the free throw line, is against a team coach by Mike D'Antoni, who is an offense first coach. While in Phoenix D'Antoni, Nash and co. affectively re-branded basketball with its '7 seconds or less' montra on offense. They outscored opponents, as the Knicks attempt to do now.

Good effort Kobe, but i still believe you deserve only to wear Number 22, rather than 24. You are one less than Michael, not one greater. Yet....